If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be getting up early to check how many kilowatts my roof had generated before my morning coffee, I’d have laughed. But here we are. Despite our age – and I say that with a smile – we’ve just taken the plunge and had solar panels and home batteries fitted. And do you know what? I absolutely love them.
It’s funny how we often assume that going green is something younger people do. Yet, when I look around Lancaster and talk to homeowners every day, I can feel a real shift happening across all ages. Sustainability isn’t just a trend anymore; it’s becoming a normal part of how people renovate, upgrade, and plan their homes for the future.
National data backs up what I’m seeing locally. Over the past five years, 34% of UK homeowners have made some form of green home improvement. That’s more than one in three. Solar panels in particular are quickly becoming mainstream, with 56% of eco-focused renovators choosing to install them. If you look around some of Lancaster’s newer estates, or even the older terraces in areas like Freehold or Scotforth, you’ll notice more roofs quietly glinting with panels than ever before.
What’s especially interesting is who’s driving the eco movement.
Younger homeowners – particularly those aged 25 to 34 – are leading the charge, with 69% opting for green enhancements. This age group tends to be very aware of energy usage, long-term running costs, and environmental impact. Many of them talk to us about EPC ratings long before they ask about room sizes.
In contrast, only 18% of over-55s are choosing eco upgrades, often because comfort improvements—new kitchens, bathrooms, or better garden spaces—still sit higher on their priority list. And that’s perfectly understandable. But I can’t help wondering whether more of us in the “experienced” age bracket might start looking again at what greener upgrades could do for our homes—and our bills.
For me personally, installing solar wasn’t just about saving money (although watching the meter go backwards feels very satisfying!). It was about shifting how we live in our home. It feels good to know we’re taking steps that benefit both us and the environment, even if we weren’t the earliest adopters.
And we’re not alone.
Across the property industry, 39% of professionals say they’ve noticed increased buyer interest in more energy-efficient homes. This is definitely true in Lancaster. Buyers are asking more questions about insulation, heating systems, EPC ratings, and solar potential than ever before. Some families are choosing homes with the right roof orientation before they even ask about schools.
So what does all this mean if you’re thinking of renovating or selling?
It means that sustainable upgrades aren’t just “nice to have” anymore. They’re becoming a meaningful part of a property’s appeal. Whether it’s better insulation, a modern boiler, or yes—solar panels and batteries—these improvements can help future-proof your home, lower running costs, and attract buyers who value long-term efficiency.
Going green isn’t about age, and it’s certainly not about being perfect. It’s simply about making good choices for your home, your wallet, and the planet. If we can do it, anyone can.
And if you’d ever like a chat about which eco upgrades buyers in Lancaster are responding to right now, you know where to find me. I’m always happy to share what I’m seeing—and compare solar stats over a cuppa!
Thanks for reading
Michelle x